The officials say Selim Said el-Gamal was riding in a police car with other officers in the provincial capital of el-Arish when attackers opened fire at their vehicle Tuesday.

The officials say el-Gamal is in critical condition after the attack. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to talk to the media.

It was the latest in a string of attacks on Egyptian military and police in Sinai, where militants have grown emboldened since last year's uprising. There have also been attacks into neighboring Israel.

A similar attack Saturday killed three policemen in the same area. Officials say the militants raised the black jihadi flag before speeding off.